Legendary Breeder suffers a seizure

Sir Patrick Hogan of Cambridge Stud in New Zealand suffered eight seizures over the weekend, but in his characteristic style, he seems to be in fighting form.

“I was feeling a little crook over the weekend, but I’m already much better”, the words of a man who is the only living breeder in the world with a knighthood for his achievements. Just last year, his Cambridge Stud was proclaimed the best breeding establishment in the world, and quite apart from the countless Grade One winners he has bred, Patrick is remembered for making the legendary stallions, Sir Tristam, and latterly, his famous son Zabeel.

Summerhill has already sent its wishes for an early recovery to this great friend of our farm, who has honoured us with his visits on several occasions, the most recent of which was when he accompanied the All Blacks to South Africa. He is a fierce supporter of his country’s rugby side, and wasted no time in the aftermath of victory in reminding us of their powers when they posted a record victory against the Boks at Ellis Park on that occasion. Patrick was accompanied by All Black captains Colin Meads (1970) and Fred Allen (1949), together with the coach of the Rebel side which came to South Africa in 1985. Don’t worry, we didn’t loose the opportunity to remind him of the annihilation of the 1949 and 1970 All Black teams, as it was time for pay-back.